Contextual Offers

Kent contextual offers

Putting you at the centre of your journey to Kent.

It's not just about grades, it's about you.

People often face barriers that make it harder for them to study at university. But at Kent, we're here to open doors, not build walls. 

We believe that everyone who has the ability to study at university should be able to. Kent is a place that is made brighter and better by our diverse and dynamic community, from all sorts of backgrounds. 

No one person's journey is the same, and that's a good thing! We want to make sure you can make the most of everything that makes you, you. Through contextual offers you can follow your ambitions and succeed in a way that suits you, your own aspirations and your values.

What is a contextual/flexible offer?

In general, a contextual offer will be lower than our standard offer. For example, a contextual offer for someone taking A levels may be two grades below our published standard offer. Course specific conditions will still apply, for example if the course requires you to have a minimum grade in a related subject, this subject grade will not be adjusted.  

Contextual admissions policy

As part of our ongoing commitment to widening participation at the University of Kent, we have a contextual admissions policy. We use data and indicators to help us build a more rounded view of an applicant's achievements and potential, we are keen to ensure that we are able to identify talent using a range of applicant information in addition to prior attainment. We are also committed to ensuring that each applicant is assessed fairly. View the policy here.

Contextual and flexible offer admissions policy

We understand that we're not all the same and your route to university may not feel clear. Our policy details how we approach contextualising your application and below you'll see many of the criteria we take into account and which you should refer to on your UCAS application

If we're not able to make a contextual/flexible offer you'll receive a standard offer making you eligible for the Kent Guarantee - choose Kent as your firm choice on UCAS and we will guarantee you a place, even if you narrowly miss your offer by up to 1 A Level grade (8 UCAS points). 

Contextual offers policy

How do I apply for a contextual/flexible offer?

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Make your application through UCAS

The information you give us through UCAS is how we can find out if you can be made a contextual offer. 

These forms will ask about you and your personal circumstance, so it's important to be honest, so we can tailor your offer to you.

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We'll look over your application

As part of our process, when we get your application we check to see if you are eligible for a contextual offer.

This happens for each offer we get, so your offer isn't one size fits all, it is tailored to you.

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Your offer will be applied

If we're able to make you a conditional offer, you'll receive confirmation of your offer automatically. 

What to include on my application

Below are many of the criteria that we take into account when putting together your offer and you should include details of in your UCAS application form. Please read our contextual offers policy for full details. 

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In England, the tracking of underrepresentation by area (TUNDRA) measures how many young people participate in higher education. You can find more information about this on the Office for Students (OfS) website.

If you want to find out which TUNDRA Quintile your postcode falls into, you can use the OfS tool.

See our Institution Contextual Flag (PDF) to see if your school is in the bottom 40% nationally for KSS results.

IMD

The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) is a way of measuring and ranking levels of deprivation in different areas or neighborhoods. For the purpose of contextual admissions, we use IMD 2019. If you live in an IMD Q1 (IMD decile 1 or 2) you are eligible for a contextual admissions offer.

You can find out more information about this on the Government Website.

If you have spent time in care, please indicate this status on your UCAS application form.  

The University of Kent is working to be a safe and welcoming place for refugees, asylum seekers, unaccompanied minors and others who are displaced or forced to migrate. 

We promote access to Higher Education for people who have fled persecution and sought asylum in the UK, providing support and scholarships through the Article 26 scheme.

If you have 'refugee status' or have been granted 'Humanitarian Protection',  please indicate the relevant status on your UCAS application form.

If you are a mature student, aged 21 or over on the first day of term.  

If you are currently in receipt, or have been in receipt of Free School Meals, at any point during your secondary school studies.   

If you're disabled or have a long term health condition, please indicate this on your application.

If you are a young carer, please indicate this on your application.